In a bid to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, industry leaders gathered in Lagos for the Nigerian Peering and Interconnection Forum (ngPIF), a collaborative effort aimed at strategizing on expanding internet infrastructure to underserved regions.
Organized by the Nigerian Network Operator Group and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the event brought together key players to discuss solutions for affordable, widespread internet access across Nigeria.
Ganiyu Oseni, senior adviser on Technology, Broadband, and Innovation, delivered remarks on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing the transformative role of digital connectivity for Nigeria’s economy. “Digital connectivity is a catalyst for economic transformation,” Oseni stated, reaffirming Lagos’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and infrastructure.
The two-day forum featured panel discussions and workshops focusing on peering, interconnection, and data centers, as well as the government’s role in promoting digital innovation. Wale Adedokun, national coordinator of ngPIF, highlighted the importance of making internet resources more accessible to bridge the urban-rural divide.
“This forum has evolved into a vibrant community dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s interconnection and peering infrastructure, putting the country on the global digital map,” Adedokun said.
Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN, also called for increased government support, especially through agencies like the Universal Service Provision Fund, to prioritize rural connectivity.
At a panel discussion, Lars Johannisson, CEO of Rack Centre, an African data center, reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s connectivity landscape. “Through Rack’s open-access ecosystem, we’ve enhanced network resilience and ensured seamless connectivity even in challenging environments, making Nigeria an attractive digital hub,” Johannisson said.
Founded in 2012, Rack Centre is a Tier III certified data center, offering neutral interconnections and colocation services. Its clients include 64 telecom carriers, ISPs, and major global networks, with direct connections to five undersea cables serving the South Atlantic coast.